## Montage Gold on Track for Late 2026 Gold Pour at Koné Project Amidst Rapid Construction and Ambitious Exploration
**ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire – January 19, 2026** – Montage Gold Corp. (TSX: MAU; OTCQX: MAUTF) is reporting substantial progress at its flagship Koné gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, with construction advancing rapidly and key milestones being achieved ahead of schedule. The company anticipates its first gold pour from the oxide circuit in late Q4 2026, underscoring its strategic move towards becoming a significant gold producer in Africa.
The Koné project has seen over 7.2 million construction hours logged, with an on-site workforce exceeding 3,000 personnel, approximately 90% of whom are local hires. This high level of local engagement highlights Montage Gold’s commitment to community development and sustainable operations. To date, approximately $545 million has been committed, representing about 63% of the total upfront capital expenditure required for the project, with costs remaining in line with initial projections.
**Key Construction Achievements Bolster Confidence**
Montage Gold has reported a series of significant construction accomplishments that pave the way for the anticipated production start. Crucially, all 14 CIL (Carbon-In-Leach) tanks have been erected, a critical component of the gold processing circuit. The oxide sizer unit is complete, and the shell for the ball mill, a vital piece of comminution equipment, has been delivered to the site. Furthermore, the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) embankment wall was finished three months ahead of schedule, and the essential water infrastructure has been commissioned and is operational. The company also noted the successful completion and occupation of the resettlement village, a testament to its stakeholder engagement strategy.
The company is targeting the first gold pour via the oxide circuit in late Q4 2026. The more complex hard-rock comminution circuit is scheduled for completion in Q2 2027, aligning with project timelines.
**Strategic Exploration Continues to Drive Growth**
Beyond construction, Montage Gold maintains a robust exploration strategy aimed at expanding its resource base and identifying new high-potential targets. In 2025, the company completed approximately 115,000 meters of drilling, exceeding its initial target, in addition to 56,000 meters of pre-production drilling. This extensive drilling has confirmed the grade and continuity of mineralized zones and identified high-grade areas.
Looking ahead to 2026, Montage Gold has launched an ambitious $16 million exploration program. This budget allocates $14 million for 90,000 meters of drilling at the Koné project and $2 million for 9,000 meters of drilling at the newly acquired Wendé advanced greenfield property. The exploration efforts are focused on several key areas:
* **Infill and Extension Drilling:** Targeting previously defined starter deposits such as Gbongogo South, Koban North, and ANV, as well as other delineated deposits.
* **Pre-Resource Target Advancement:** Focusing on targets like Petit Yao, which shows potential for developing into a significant, high-grade satellite deposit.
* **New Target Testing:** Systematically exploring over 50 identified targets across the extensive land package, with a significant portion already showing confirmed mineralization.
The 2026 program aims to update Mineral Resource Estimates, with initial updates for several satellite targets expected in Q1 2026. Furthermore, updated resources for the main Koné and Gbongogo deposits are anticipated, alongside the results from the pre-production drilling.
**Management Commentary**
“We are exceptionally pleased with the momentum at the Koné project,” stated Martino De Ciccio, Chief Executive Officer of Montage. “The rapid construction progress, coupled with our ongoing exploration success, positions us strongly to achieve our goal of becoming a leading African gold producer. The early completion of key infrastructure and the robust exploration pipeline demonstrate our team’s capability and our commitment to delivering shareholder value.”
Peder Olsen, President and Chief Development Officer, added, “The delivery of the ball mill shell is a significant milestone, and the early completion of the TSF embankment wall highlights our project execution excellence. We are on track for a Q4 2026 oxide circuit start-up, and concurrently, we are advancing the hard-rock circuit with confidence. Our deep commitment to our local partners and workforce is reflected in the high local employment and the successful inauguration of the resettlement village.”
**Key Upcoming Catalysts:**
* **Q1 2026:** Koné deposit infill and grade control drilling results.
* **Q1 2026:** Updated Mineral Resource Estimates incorporating 2025 drilling data, including maiden resources for targets like Petit Yao.
* **Ongoing:** Exploration results from the 2026 program at Koné and Wendé.
* **Late Q4 2026:** Target first gold pour from the oxide circuit.
**About Montage Gold Corp.**
Montage Gold Corp. is a Canadian-listed company with a strategic focus on developing into a premier African gold producer. Its flagship Koné project in Côte d’Ivoire, based on the 2024 Updated Feasibility Study, boasts an estimated 16-year mine life with projected annual production exceeding 300,000 ounces of gold over the initial eight years. Production is anticipated to commence in late Q4 2026.
**Qualified Persons Statement**
The scientific and technical information presented in this release has been reviewed and approved by Peder Olsen, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Montage’s President and Chief Development Officer, who serves as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
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